Loftus Ironstone mine operated from 1865 until 1958 (although some earlier working was done by several companies back to 1847 in the immedite area)

The name of the town and mine are said to have been altered to avoid confusion with Lofthouse near Wakefield when the railways arrived.

The pit for the Waddle ventilation fan is still very prominant on the site

 

The Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum (formerly the Tom Leonard Mining Museum) which occupies the site is currently closed for the winter, so I shall have to return for internal shots next year, however a few items can be seen outside even when its closed.

 

1882 datestone from the engine house of Lumpsey Mine

1914 datestones from the fan house at South Skelton Mine

 

The mine stables are currently being converted, a drift ran underground from the stables directly into the mine